The Police Service Commission (PSC) has rejected allegations of delays and irregularities in the promotion process for police officers, characterizing these assertions as misleading and lacking factual support.
In response to a narrative circulated by an online news outlet on January 21, 2026, which claimed police inspectors were protesting against delayed promotions following their successful completion of the 2025 Board exercise, the PSC stated that the report had skewed established protocols and was based on anonymous and unverified sources.
Mr. Torty Njoku Kalu, who heads Protocol and Public Affairs at the Commission, issued a statement declaring that the PSC firmly denies the allegations and emphasized its dedication to transparency, fairness, and meritocratic advancement within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
Kalu explained that promotions in the NPF adhere strictly to established procedures, which include successfully passing the Departmental Selection Board (DSB) evaluations, and that these are carried out according to statutory timelines and available resources.
He highlighted that, contrary to claims made in the article, officers engaged in the 2025 DSB exercise were properly informed regarding the status of their assessments through official communication channels.
"The claim of 'total silence' or a lack of communication from either the PSC or Force Headquarters is incorrect," the statement indicated. "The Commission retains comprehensive records of all communications, and officers with inquiries are encouraged to seek clarification either through their commands or by contacting the PSC directly."
In addressing concerns about perceived delays in the promotion of inspectors while senior officers were promoted relatively quickly, the PSC noted that such comparisons are misleading. The Commission clarified that promotion protocols vary by rank; senior-level promotions typically involve fewer candidates and are generally more efficient, whereas inspectors' promotions encompass a larger pool of candidates and necessitate thorough verification processes.
These verification processes involve background checks, performance evaluations, and other administrative actions that traverse multiple commands, as outlined in the statement.
"The 2025 DSB exercise, which concluded in December 2025, has successfully progressed, and results are being processed according to the set schedule. There is no form of undue delay, and efforts are being made to complete the announcement in the forthcoming days, subject to financial and administrative stipulations," it further explained.
Moreover, the Commission disputed claims suggesting that these delays have fostered widespread demoralization, early retirement threats, or a decline in confidence among junior officers, describing such statements as mere speculation.
It was emphasized that no formal complaints have been raised by affected officers through the appropriate institutional channels.
"Officers are advised to take advantage of the established grievance resolution processes rather than engaging the media," the PSC recommended.
Reiterating its pledge to personnel welfare and career development, the Commission affirmed its ongoing collaboration with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, under the guidance of its chairman, retired Deputy Inspector-General Hashimu Salihu Argungu.
The PSC stated that in recent years, thousands of officers have received promotions without favoritism, asserting that any perceived delays stem from meticulous due diligence aimed at maintaining integrity and fairness in the promotional system.
The Commission urged media bodies to confirm facts with the PSC prior to publishing articles that could potentially erode public trust in national institutions.
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